Embracing the vibrant kaleidoscope of global flavors, my culinary adventure unfolded beneath the route of the 7 train on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, NYC. In a span of four hours, I traversed continents, indulging in breakfast and lunch across Central and South America – from the zest of Mexico to the warmth of Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay. My gastronomic journey then meandered through the Himalayas to Nepal for a savory snack before reaching Bangladesh, my current stop, for another delectable experience.
As the clock ticked away, I felt the pressure to savor the remaining gems on my culinary map. With one hour left, Japan beckoned with promises of sushi, India awaited with its sweet treats, and China enticed with aromatic tea. The bustling scene unfolded against a backdrop of a low-slung November sun casting a dusky pink hue over the little Himalaya. The cacophony of traffic, Bangladeshi tunes, and a distant rumbling train created a lively symphony in the air.
Seated on a plastic stool, I immersed myself in the culinary tapestry of Jackson Heights. Here, life spilled onto the streets, and my taste buds danced to the rhythm of diverse cuisines. The scene unfolded with the Fuska House food truck, adorned in gaudy lime green and adorned with stickers boasting chaat – enticing street snacks. I reveled in the experience, savoring a Bangladeshi street food delight called fuchka – semolina shells filled with a medley of potato, yellow peas, onion, chili, and coriander, drizzled with sweet tamarind dressing. Each bite delivered a symphony of sour-sweet and earthy-hot flavors in the late-afternoon chill.
Just moments ago, I had been in Nepal relishing beef momo dumplings, and now I found myself in Bangladesh, immersed in the rich tapestry of global tastes. New York City's diversity was on full display beneath the 7 train, aptly nicknamed the "International Express," offering a gastronomic journey unmatched anywhere else. From Long Island City to Flushing Main Street, each stop presented a culinary treasure trove, making this stretch of Queens a truly unparalleled and colorful epicenter of global cuisine.
Embarking on my culinary odyssey through the diverse neighborhoods of Queens, I faced the urban culinary beast in two phases – first, a solitary exploration for a few train stops, and later, a guided tour for a more immersive experience. Setting out deliberately with an empty stomach from Grand Central Station, my gastronomic journey unfolded with tantalizing encounters and delectable discoveries.
Within twenty minutes, the neighborhood of Sunnyside welcomed me with open arms, enticing me with the aroma of hot chocolate and the irresistible allure of pandebono, a soft cheese bread, at the bustling Rico Pan Bakery – a sleek Colombian gem where the queue spilled out the door. A single train stop further into Woodside, the landscape transformed into a haven of Irish pubs, with Donovan's standing out with its mock Tudor façade and flower-filled window boxes, echoing the area's rich Irish immigrant heritage.
Guided by Sierra Springarn, an insightful culinary tour guide, our exploration delved into two distinct neighborhoods – Elmhurst, offering a lesson in pan-Latino cultures, and Jackson Heights, an immersion into Asian flavors with a potential detour to Japan. The borough of Queens unfolded as a vibrant tapestry, reminiscent of a bygone era in New York City before the wave of gentrification and chain establishments.
Queens, alive with the symphony of music, the rumble of trains, and a bustling mix of people, exuded the spirit of a perpetual festival. In the midst of this vibrant scene, I encountered Tony, the unofficial mayor of Corona Plaza, a septuagenarian pushing a trolley of water bottles. A fixture in the neighborhood, Tony's warm welcome symbolized the strong sense of community that permeates Queens. His familiarity with every shopkeeper and vendor, his regular presence along Roosevelt Avenue, encapsulated the genuine connections that form the backbone of Queens' identity.
As I ventured deeper into the micro-communities within each eatery, I realized that Queens isn't merely a mosaic of diverse cuisines but a collection of unique microcosms, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the borough. This sense of community and tradition, woven into the fabric of Queens, breathed life into every corner and every culinary encounter, making this gastronomic journey not just a feast for the palate but a celebration of the vibrant stories that define Queens.
In the lively tapestry of Queens, my culinary escapade continued, unveiling hidden gems and diverse flavors that painted a vibrant picture of the borough's rich cultural mosaic. At Tulcingo, a Mexican bakery infused with chipper Mariachi music, I found myself enchanted by the rainbow-hued space, where locals selected colorful breads and pastries with silver trays and tongs. The glass cabinet showcased Mexican delights, including 1950s-style gelatine-based desserts, a cherished tradition in Mexico that Sierra, my guide, eagerly shared.
Just a short walk from the 7 line, La Espiga emerged as one of the first sit-down Mexican restaurants in Queens. Watching a lady craft sopes – a traditional Mexican dish with a fried masa base and savory toppings – I savored a squash blossom quesadilla, a prelude to a gastronomic journey that spanned Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, and Uruguay. Each stop offered a unique culinary experience, from pandebono to "quaker" drinks and yerba mate tea.
As I ventured into the neighborhood of Elmhurst to explore Japan, I discovered the heartwarming story of Mitsumine Oda, a retired chef running a hidden Japanese deli within the 969 NYC Coffee shop. Despite the lack of signage, Oda's culinary prowess, especially his Instagram-famous triple-layer Onigirazu, drew locals seeking a familiar haven. Sierra explained the symbiotic relationship between Oda and the community, highlighting how the neighborhood provided purpose to Oda, who reciprocated by donating all tips to local charities.
Energized by a sweet chai from Merit Kabab Palace and Indian treats at Maharaja Sweets, I set my sights on China, a couple of stops away in Flushing Main Street. The unassuming exterior of the Golden Shopping Mall belied its foodie haven within. Lanzhou Handmade Noodle, a vendor inside, showcased the art of hand-stretched noodles, culminating in a bowl of savory broth sipped slowly – the crowning achievement of my Queens culinary mission.
Queens, with its multitude of languages and diverse culinary offerings, unfolded as a treasure trove for those willing to explore its streets. Each eatery became a unique micro-community, contributing to the borough's identity as a melting pot of flavors, traditions, and heartfelt stories, making every bite a celebration of the cultural richness that defines Queens.
In the world of desserts, Mexicans proudly champion the 1950s-style gelatine-based delicacies. As I delved into the culinary wonders of Queens, this vibrant borough unfolded as a treasure trove of diverse flavors and cultural delights. From the rainbow-hued spaces of Tulcingo, where Mariachi music filled the air, to the first sit-down Mexican restaurant, La Espiga, each bite was a celebration of tradition and culinary mastery.
For those looking to explore the rich tapestry of Queens, British Airways offers flights to New York JFK from London Heathrow, providing a gateway to this gastronomic adventure. Accommodation options like 1 Hotel Central Park and Hotel Edison provide comfortable stays in Manhattan, with convenient access to subway links and the 7 line train to Queens, ensuring that the culinary journey continues seamlessly.
For an immersive experience, Culinary Backstreets offers various culinary food tours of Queens, allowing enthusiasts to savor the diverse flavors and stories embedded in the borough's streets. Whether it's indulging in Bangladeshi street food like fuchka or discovering Mitsumine Oda's hidden Japanese deli, every culinary exploration becomes a chapter in the rich narrative of Queens.
Queens, with its culinary diversity and cultural richness, proves to be a destination well worth exploring. Whether you're drawn to the gelatine-based delights of Mexico or the hidden gems in neighborhoods like Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, the borough promises a culinary journey that transcends flavors and captures the heart of its vibrant communities.
As the culinary journey through the diverse neighborhoods of Queens unfolds, it becomes evident that this borough is a treasure trove of flavors and cultural richness. From the championing of 1950s-style gelatine-based desserts by Mexicans to the hidden gems like Mitsumine Oda's Japanese deli, each culinary stop contributes to the vibrant narrative of Queens.
The conclusion is clear: Queens is a destination that beckons exploration, promising not just a feast for the palate but a celebration of traditions, stories, and the sense of community embedded in every eatery. Whether savoring Bangladeshi street food or immersing in the pan-Latino cultures of Elmhurst, Queens stands as a testament to the melting pot of cultures that defines New York City.
In the tapestry of Queens, where languages, aromas, and stories intermingle, every bite becomes a chapter in the rich narrative of this borough. For those seeking a gastronomic adventure with a side of cultural discovery, Queens emerges as a culinary haven, beckoning travelers to savor its diverse offerings and experience the genuine connections that define this vibrant corner of New York City.